Clinical Manifestation and Maternal Complications and Neonatal outcomes in Pregnant Women with COVID 19: An Update a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background Existing evidence indicates that the risk of obstetric and perinatal outcomes is higher in women with coronavirus infection. outbreaks suggest that pregnant women and their fetuses are particularly susceptible to poor outcomes. However, there is little known about pregnancy related complications and co-morbidity in this group of women. Therefore, this, systematic review and meta-analysis performed in order to find out whether COVID-19 may cause different manifestations and outcomes in antepartum and postpartum period or not.Methods We searched databases, including Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Web of sciences, Cochrane library, Ovid and CINHAL to retrieve all articles reporting the prevalence of maternal and neonatal complications, in addition clinical manifestations, in pregnant women with COVID 19 that published with English language from January to April 2020. Results 11 studies with total 177 pregnant women included in this systematic review.Results show that the pooled prevalence of neonatal mortality, lower birth weight, stillbirth, premature birth, and intrauterine fetal distress in women with COVID 19 were 4% (95% Cl: 1 - 9%), 21% (95% Cl: 11 – 31%), 2% (95% Cl: 1 - 6%), 28% (95% Cl: 12 - 44%), and 15% (95% Cl: 4 - 26%); respectively. Also the pooled prevalence of fever, cough, diarrhea and dyspnea were 56% (95% Cl: 30 - 83%), 30% (95% Cl: 21 - 39%), 9% (95% Cl: 2 - 16%), and 3% (95% Cl: 1 - 6%) in the pregnant women with COVID-19.Conclusion According to this systematic review and meta-analysis, the pregnant women with COVID-19 with or without pneumonia, are at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, miscarriage and cesarean delivery. Furthermore, the risk of LBW and intrauterine fetal distress seems increased in neonates.

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Prevalence of Syphilis among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2019/4562385 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Siraj Hussen ◽

Birkneh Tilahun Tadesse

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Screening Program ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Forest Plot ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Sub Saharan

Objective. Syphilis is one of the most imperative STIs, caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. During pregnancy it is associated with disastrous health outcomes in the newborn. In sub-Saharan Africa, study findings on the prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women are highly dispersed and inconsistent. The aim of the current review is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa among pregnant women. Design. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources. Databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and HINARI and reference lists of previous prevalence studies were systematically searched for relevant literature from January 1999 to November 2018. Results were presented in forest plot, tables, and figures. Random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. For the purpose of this review, a case of syphilis was defined as positive treponemal or nontreponemal tests among pregnant women. Data Extraction. Our search gave a total of 262 citations from all searched databases. Of these, 44 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria and comprising 175,546 subjects were finally included. Results. The pooled prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa was 2.9% (95%CI: 2.4%-3.4%). East and Southern African regions had a higher syphilis prevalence among pregnant women (3.2%, 95% CI: 2.3%-4.2% and 3.6%, 95%CI: 2.0%-5.1%, respectively) than the sub-Saharan African pooled prevalence. The prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in most parts of the region seemed to have decreased over the past 20 years except for the East African region. However, prevalence did not significantly differ by region and time period. Conclusion. This review showed a high prevalence of syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa among pregnant women. The evidence suggests strengthening the screening program during pregnancy as part of the care package during antenatal care visits. Programs focusing on primary prevention of syphilis in women should also be strengthened.

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Prevalence and predictors of self-medication among university students in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice ◽

10.1186/s40545-021-00391-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Getahun Fetensa ◽

Tadesse Tolossa ◽

Werku Etafa ◽

Ginenus Fekadu

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

University Students ◽

English Language ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Self Medication ◽

Manual Search ◽

Global Issue ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Unpublished Studies

Abstract Background Self-medication of medicines is a global issue particularly among those with good access and familiarity with medications such as university students. It has a significant impact on drug resistance and medication-related complications. There are limited and inconsistent studies on self-medication practices in Ethiopia. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of self-medication and its predictors among university students in Ethiopia. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the prevalence and predictors of self-medication among university students in Ethiopia. Published articles from various electronic databases such as Medline, Hinari, Pub Med, Cochrane library, and the Web of Science were accessed. In addition, a manual search was performed including Google Scholar. Searching of articles were searched from January 1st to February 1, 2021. All observational studies conducted among university students in English language were included in the review. Two reviewers independently assessed articles before inclusion in the final review using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) instrument for critical appraisal. The I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity. Since the included studies exhibited high heterogeneity, a random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of self-medication. Results We found of 812 published and unpublished studies in our search. Finally, 31 full-text studies were reviewed, and 13 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. A total of 5377 study respondents from 13 studies were included in the study. The results of our study revealed that the pooled prevalence of self-medication among university students was 49.41% (95% CI 38.67%, 60.13%). The included studies had a sample size ranging from 250 to 792 with the lowest prevalence (19.87%) of self-medication from the University of Gondar, whereas the highest prevalence (77.01%) was recorded in a study conducted at Arsi University. From the pooled estimation, there was a significant association between self-medication and income (OR = 0.67: 95% CI 0.55–0.80). However, the association between self-medication and year of study and sex of participants was insignificant. Conclusion The pooled prevalence of self-medication among Ethiopian university students was relatively high compared to the current global health problem with an increase in anti-microbial resistance. Health professionals and concerned bodies should pay attention to raising awareness regarding the consequences of using medications without prescription.

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Burden of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Amongst Nigerian Pregnant Women: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-148324/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel N Onwusulu ◽

Helen Chioma Okoye ◽

Emmanuel O Nna ◽

Samuel Onuka ◽

Amaka Obiageli Nnamani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Pregnancy Outcomes ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract BackgroundAsymptomatic bacteriuria can be a cause of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes if undetected and untreated. Pregnant women are usually routinely screened with urine cultures at antenatal booking. However, the exact burden of asymptomatic bacteriuria in Nigeria is unknown. Our protocol is aimed at determining the pooled prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria amongst Nigerian pregnant women as well as the associated risk factors and pregnancy outcomes.MethodsNine databases: PubMed, African Journal Online, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, ResearchGate, Scopus, and Web of Science will be searched using a search strategy that is developed by combinations of MeSH terms, keywords, text words, and entry terms. Only observational studies published or retrievable in the English Language will be included. Studies must be conducted in Nigeria. The primary measurable outcome of this study is the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women. Identified studies will be screened, selected, and deduplicated in DistillerSR. Data items will be extracted into predefined forms in the DistillerSR. Reports including Prisma flow chart, quality scores, risk of bias, and study outcomes will be generated in DistillerSR. Extracted data items will be exported into the Comprehensive Meta-analysis Software version 3 for quantitative analysis. Methodological, clinical, and statistical heterogeneity will be assessed for all the studies. Publication bias will be assessed using Funnel plots. There will be a subgroup analysis of pooled prevalence using categorical variables. The primary outcome will be expressed in pooled prevalence, standard error, variance, and 95% CI of variance. Quantitative risk factors and pregnancy outcomes will be used used for meta-regression. The reporting of the systematic review and meta-analysis will be according to PRISMA 2015 Statement.DiscussionThe pooled prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in Nigeria will be examined in relation to associated risk factors and pregnancy outcomes. The study will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.Trial Registration NumberThis protocol is registered with the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with registration number CRD42020213810

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Iodine deficiency among pregnant women and its determinants in Ethiopia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25491 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yordanos Gizachew ◽

Getachew Mullu ◽

Bezawit Afework

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Iodine Deficiency ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Iodine Intake ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

P Deficiency ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Pregnant Mothers

BACKGROUND Deficiency of iodine during pregnancy is associated with the increased rates of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and increased perinatal and infant mortality and may lead to fetal iodine deficiency damaging the neurocognitive growth of the growing fetus. Even though, the implementation of nutrition interventions and other strategies across sub-Saharan African counties has resulted in the reduction of iodine deficiency prevalence, the prevalence of iodine deficiency remains high in many populations including pregnant mothers. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this review will be to estimate the pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency among pregnant mothers in Ethiopia. METHODS Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines will be followed for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The databases we will be; PUBMED, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and African Journals Online. Search terms we will use are “epidemiology” OR “prevalence” AND “iodine deficiency” OR “insufficient iodine intake” AND associated factors OR “determinant factors” AND “pregnant women” OR “pregnant mother” AND “Ethiopia”. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) will be used for critical appraisal of studies. Appropriate statistical tests will be conducted to quantify the heterogeneity between studies and the assessment of publication bias. We will check individual study influence analysis and also conduct subgroup analysis. STATA version 15 will be used for statistical analysis. RESULTS This systematic review started in September 2020. The literature search of the 5 databases revealed 483 papers. We are currently at the screening stage. CONCLUSIONS The systematic review and meta-analysis will provide the pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency among pregnant mothers in Ethiopia. The finding of this study will be helpful to design appropriate preventive and health promotion strategies for the reduction of iodine deficiency; related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42020199737

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Effects of Yoga in Pregnancy on Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review

Modern Care Journal ◽

10.5812/modernc.115237 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Dina Abadiavil ◽

Neda Sharifi ◽

Sareh Dashti ◽

Tahereh Fathi Najafi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Postpartum Depression ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

English Language ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Yoga Intervention ◽

Clinical Databases ◽

Medium Quality ◽

Preventive Effects

Context: Postpartum depression is a common condition, which is managed by antidepressants. Antidepressants are generally considered to be safe during breastfeeding, and the probability of exposure to antidepressants through breast milk is low to very low. Due to the beliefs of breastfeeding women that antidepressants may have side effects on infants, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is being investigated to play a role in the management of postpartum depression. Yoga is among the complementary therapies that showed preventive effects against depression in some age and disease groups. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of Yoga intervention on healthy pregnant women and its preventive effects on postpartum depression. Methods: Clinical databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Medlib, Web of Science, Psych Info, and Cochrane Library, as well as Google Scholar, were searched using search keywords, including pregnant women, women, maternal period, yoga, mindfulness, postpartum depression, and depression. Clinical trial, case-control, and cohort articles in English language that assessed the effects of Yoga on postpartum depression in healthy women were reviewed. Among the initial 982 identified studies, five studies (271 subjects) were eligible for the review. Due to the high heterogeneity in the studies, meta-analysis was not performed. Results: One study had medium quality, one study had good quality, and three studies had high quality. Yoga intervention included physical and mindfulness exercises and assessed mood and behavior during pregnancy. The intervention duration ranged between 6 and 24 weeks during pregnancy. In the majority of studies, Yoga intervention reduced postpartum depression and other mental disorders. Conclusions: Yoga may be a beneficial and safe choice in the management of postpartum depression in healthy pregnant women.

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Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus among Women of Reproductive Age in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Iranian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.18502/ijph.v48i2.815 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Maedeh SHARGHI ◽

Hadis MUSAVI ◽

Shabnam MALEKPOUR MANSURKHANI ◽

Wesam KOOTI ◽

Masoud BEHZADIFAR ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Human Cytomegalovirus ◽

Prevalence Rate ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Women Of Reproductive Age ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) able to cause infection for an entire lifetime. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine seroprevalence of CMV among women of reproductive age in Iran. Methods: English and Persian databases such as Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, SID, Iran doc, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Medlib were searched (from 2008 to 2017) accurately using the keywords: Cytomegalovirus, Pregnant women or Pregnancy, Epidemiology, Prevalence and Iran. Results: Results of 15 studies with total samples of 5253 persons from 2008 to 2017 were combined and meta-analyzed. The pooled prevalence rate of IgG among women was estimated 90% (95% CI: 87-93%). The highest prevalence rate of IgG was in Tehran, Rasht, Mashhad and Yasoj, all 100% (95% CI: 100-100%), and the lowest prevalence was in Jahrom 0.62% (95% CI: 53-71%). The overall prevalence rate of IgM among women was estimated at 0.06% (95% CI: 0.03-0.13%). The highest prevalence rate of IgM was in Kerman 0.34% (95% CI: 0.29-0.39%) and Mashhad 0.25% (95% CI: 0.2-0.31%), and the lowest prevalence was in Yasoj 0% (95% CI: 0.00%-0.00%) Conclusion: The prevalence of immunity in Iran, is satisfactory. Nevertheless, to maintain and increase the level of immunity across the country, it is necessary to routinely screen the women of reproductive ages across the country.

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Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection and Its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/6551526 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Temesgen Getaneh ◽

Ayenew Negesse ◽

Getenet Dessie ◽

Melaku Desta ◽

Agimasie Tigabu

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Urinary Tract Infection ◽

Urinary Tract ◽

Tract Infection ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

History Of

Objective. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infections during pregnancy. It is associated with different maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, still birth, preeclampsia, maternal anemia, sepsis, and amnionitis, even when the infection is asymptomatic. However, in Ethiopia, it is represented with fragmented and inconclusive pocket studies. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of UTI and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and local sources were used to access eligible studies. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was applied for critical appraisal. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using I 2 statistic, funnel plot asymmetry, and Egger’s tests. Random effect model was employed to estimate the pooled burden of UTI and its associated factors among pregnant women with its corresponding odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Result. From all systematically searched articles, 14 studies were eligible for this analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of UTI among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 15.37% (95% CI: 12.54, 18.19). Family monthly income ( OR = 3.8 and 95% CI: 1.29, 11.23), parity ( OR = 1.59 and 95% CI: 1.01, 2.50), history of catheterization ( OR = 2.76 and 95% CI: 1.31, 5.84), and history of UTI ( OR = 3.12 and 95% CI: 1.74, 5.60) were factors significantly associated with UTI among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Conclusion. The overall pooled estimate of UTI among pregnant women in Ethiopia was higher compared with CDC estimation which was 8%. Family monthly income < 1000 ETB , multipara, previous history of catheterization, and history of UTI were factors increased burden of UTI during pregnancy. So, strategies targeting in economic reforms, universal access of family planning, and standardized prenatal care service should be addressed to alleviate this high prevalence of UTI during pregnancy.

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Pooled estimate of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Health Population and Nutrition ◽

10.1186/s41043-021-00253-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Angeline Jeyakumar ◽

Vidhya Shinde ◽

Reshma Ravindran

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Health Concern ◽

Study Quality ◽

Care Services ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Women In India

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women is a public health concern globally. In India, individual studies report high prevalence. However, lack of national data masks the true burden. This work determined the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in India through a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. Methods Three different search engines yielded 15 eligible articles. Study quality was assessed by 10 different criteria and summary of study quality was categorized as per Cochrane standards. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy pregnant women and heterogeneity among selected studies. A sample of n = 4088 was used to study the pooled prevalence among pregnant women. Results The random effects combined estimate was 32.35% (95% CI, (12.58–117.48). High heterogeneity (tau2 = 0.39, I2 = 100%) and high risk of bias was observed among the selected studies. The test for overall effect was observed to be z = 2.54(P = 0.01). Conclusion Pooled estimate > 30% emphasizes the need for screening through antenatal care services and initiate preventive measures to address the deficiency.

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Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03908-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zelalem Animaw ◽

Addisu Melese ◽

Habtamu Demelash ◽

Girma Seyoum ◽

Abiy Abebe

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Stool Examination ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are public health problems widely distributed in the world and cause significant morbidity and mortality; many of which occur among women of reproductive age. IPIs caused by helminthes and protozoan parasites are common among pregnant women. Data on the national pooled prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors during pregnancy is not documented well in Ethiopia. This review aims at summarizing evidences on the burden of IPIs and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods Published and unpublished studies were thoroughly searched at MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane library and Science Direct. In addition, repositories of Addis Ababa, Gondar and Jimma Universities were searched. Eligible studies were selected following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline. The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasites and summary odds ratios (ORs) were determined with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Sub-groups analyses were done based on study region, types of parasites, methods of stool examination and study setting. The statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 14.0 software. Results Among 168 retrieved studies, 31 studies with a total population of 12,118 pregnant women were included. The estimated pooled prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 27.32 % (95 % CI: 20.61, 33.87 %). In the subgroup analysis, Oromia and Amhara regions had the highest prevalence with a 29.78 % (95 % CI: 15.97, 43.60) and 29.63 % (95 % CI: 15.37, 43.89); respectively. In addition, studies conducted in the community showed higher prevalence than institution based studies (49.93 % Vs 24.84 %; respectively). The most prevalent type of intestinal parasite identified were Hookworm followed by Ascaris lumbricoides with a pooled prevalence of 11.2 and 10.34 %, respectively. In our analysis; residence, being bare footed, lack of hand washing habit and eating uncooked/raw vegetables were significantly associated with IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Conclusions Prevalence of IPIs during pregnancy is relatively high in Ethiopia. Poor hygienic practices were identified as risk factors. Based on our finding, targeted preventive measures shall be considered so as to prevent morbidity and mortality due to IPIs.

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Occupational Related Upper and Low Back Pain Among Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-257589/v4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dechasa Adare Mengistu ◽

Yohannes Mulugeta Demmu ◽

Addisu Alemu

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Boolean Logic ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Low Back ◽

Working Population ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background: Back pains, such as low and upper back pains are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions that can cause major public health and socioeconomic problems. Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability that reduces worker performance and well-being and increases absence from work, which can cause an enormous economic burden. In developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia, there is no adequate evidence on the overall prevalence of occupational-related low and upper back pains and remain less prioritized and empirically unrepresented. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational-related low and upper back pains among the working population of Ethiopia.Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis considered studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English, and published from 2017-2020. Articles were searched from nine electronic databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online database and Science Direct) using a combination of Boolean logic operators, Medical Subject Headings and main keywords. The quality assessment of the articles was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the articles to the study. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence, the 95% confidence interval, and the degree of heterogeneity among the included studies. Sensitivity analyzes were performed to identify the influence of outliers and to identify sources of heterogeneity.Results: Of the 1,114 studies identified from the included databases, 20 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of occupational-related upper and low back pain in the previous year was 27.1% [95% CI: 18.4, 37.9] and 54.2% [95% CI: 48.2, 60.0], respectively. Based on a subgroup analysis by publication year, study population and countries where the studies are conducted, the prevalence of upper back pain was 43.8% [95% CI: 39.3, 47.7], 34.7% [95% CI: 33.1, 36.2], and 36.2% [95% CI: 33.6, 39.0], respectively, while the prevalence of low back pain was 61.8% [95% CI: 58.9, 64.6], 52.8% [95% CI: 51.3, 54.3] and 55.2% [95% CI: 51.4, 59.0], respectively.Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 54.2% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous year, while 27.1% experienced upper back pain. These problems may be reduced by considering proper observation of the principles of ergonomics in the workplace, and performing physical exercises on a regular basis.

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